Siblings' 4-year land dispute over inheritance sent for third retrial

A protracted legal battle over inherited land among 11 siblings has seen its third retrial after the Supreme People's Court Appellate Division in Hanoi overturned a lower court's ruling. The dispute, which has dragged on for four years, involves a land parcel originally purchased in 1962. One brother, V.K.B., claims ownership of the entire 1,213 square meter plot, citing a land title issued in 2005. He states his parents had gifted him this portion after purchasing another plot where they lived. However, his elder brother, V.T.A., representing nine other siblings, argues the land title is invalid. They seek to have the title annulled and the remaining 1,000 square meters divided equally among all siblings. The siblings' hair has reportedly turned gray during the lengthy legal process. The initial trial court had ruled in favor of V.K.B., deeming his possession of the land as in good faith since no objections were raised during the public announcement period for land title applications. The court noted that while formal documentation for the land gift was not fully met, the transfer and continuous use of the land by V.K.B. were recognized. This decision, however, has now been overturned by the appellate court.